Island Bids Farewell to Graduating Class of 2002

Commencement Exercises Pay Tribute to Largest Graduate Class in History

By ALEXIS TONTI

For four years they studied, turned in projects and papers, took too many tests to count. For two weeks they waited, finals over, state tournaments played out, summer jobs begun. For several days they practiced, the marching, the seating, the singing.

State Attorney General Urges New Bedford Vote in Political War Over SSA

By JULIA WELLS
Gazette Senior Writer

The Massachusetts Attorney General touched off a fresh storm of politics on Beacon Hill this week when he sided with the city of New Bedford in the war among state legislators over a bill to restructure the Steamship Authority.

Community Services Management Appeals Designation of Voters in Union Dispute

By MANDY LOCKE

The Martha's Vineyard Community Services labor dispute, now almost three months old, faced the potential of further delays today when management appealed a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decision to expand the pool of eligible voters for a June 20 union election.

Developers Sketch Outline of Proposals for Woodlands Area

By JULIA WELLS

Anxious to regain the upper hand following a defeat in the Massachusetts Land Court last week, the developers who want to convert the southern woodlands in Oak Bluffs to a private luxury golf course - and now also luxury housing - scrambled to put out the word that they have a new deal on the table.

A Special Spirit Wins This Class Highest Praise

By ALEXIS TONTI

They're the largest class ever to graduate from the regional high school. That's the first thing: 216 as compared with last year's 158.

The keepers of Vineyard history are leaving the heart of the whaling community for a new home up-Island.